SPORTS DIGEST || Fitch AD to be honored by track association

Fitch AD to be honored by track association

AUSTINTOWN

Austiontown Fitch athletic director Rob Conklin will be given the “Lifetime Contributer Award” by the Ohio Track & Field and Cross Country Officials Association.

Conklin has been a licensed track official for 20 years and has been in the sport even longer as a coach. He’ll receive the award at a banquet in Columbus on Jan. 16.

Cavs’ Irving to return against Sixers

CLEVELAND

Cavaliers All-Star point guard Kyrie Irving will make his season debut on Sunday against Philadelphia, his first game since breaking his left kneecap in the NBA Finals.

Irving posted “I’m back” on his Twitter account Saturday and later said following the team’s practice that he’s excited to play. Irving hasn’t been on the floor since getting hurt in Game 1 of the Finals against Golden State.

The 23-year-old has gone through extensive rehab over the past six months. He said he wouldn’t wish his injury on anyone.

The Cavs and Irving have exercised patience during his long recovery. He had been expected to make his return earlier this week, but Irving said there were still some medical hurdles to overcome.

Irving said his minutes will be restricted and he’ll ease his way back before his playing time increases in the coming weeks.

Scrappers announce fantasy camp

NILES

The Mahoning Valley Scrappers will host a Fantasy Camp at Eastwood Field on July 30. The one-day camp will feature four Cleveland Indians’ alumni, Joe Charboneau, Len Barker, Jensen Lewis, and Jason Stanford.

Fantasy Camp will include a two-hour pre-game workout, followed by two baseball games, both lead and managed by the Indians alumni. Participants will gain access to the Scrappers’ clubhouse where they will receive their own Scrappers jersey and hat. They will also receive breakfast, lunch and dinner at Eastwood Field throughout the course of the camp.

The cost of Fantasy Camp is $200 per person and is limited to the first 50 participants. Participants must be at least age 40 or older.

Fantasy Camp reservations are available online at www.mvscrappers.com, by calling 330-505-0000 or by visiting the Eastwood Field box office or the Scrappers Holiday Store located inside the Eastwood Mall Complex near Starbucks.

Ticket packages for the 2016 season are now on sale. For more information, contact the Scrappers Front Office at 330-505-0000 or visit www.mvscrappers.com for a complete schedule.

Gibson named Grove City’s athletic director

GROVE CITY, PA.

Grove City College has named Todd Gibson, a 2002 graduate of the college as the school’s athletic director. Gibson, an assistant professor of exercise science and head men’s and women’s track and field coach, has served as interim athletic director since the retirement of Dr. Don Lyle last spring.

Gibson joined the College’s faculty in 2004 as a member of the Exercise Science and Physical Education Department. During the 2014-15 academic year, he worked as Grove City’s assistant athletic director.

In that role, Gibson handled a variety of administrative duties, including the athletics budget, game management and transportation scheduling.

Columbiana wrestling places 3rd at D3 Classic

WATERLOO

Columbiana High School placed three wrestlers at the D3 Classic at Waterloo High School. This event is comprised of top Division III teams around the state.

Placing for the Clippers was Brandt Virden (106lbs) 3rd place, Frank Rupert (170lbs) 3rd place, and Caleb Rupert (195lbs) 2nd place.

The Clippers are back in action January 2nd at the Jackson Milton Invitational.

Staff/wire report